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You do what you can to lead a happy and fulfilling life. So, why not do the same for your body? By providing the body with the necessary nutrients, you will sustain not only your physical health, but your overall wellness. Now comes in The Paleo Diet. This diet, also known as a hunter-gatherer diet, is a simplified and natural way of eating based on how our ancestors ate. Eating a Paleo Diet will immerse you with quality foods, including lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables that are nutrient-dense. The Paleo Diet encourages exclusion of processed foods that are low in nutrient value and can lead to inflammation and diseases later in life [1-6].

Despite focusing on the diet our bodies were designed to eat, hesitation around The Paleo Diet still exists. So, to help you understand The Paleo Diet better, here’s an infographic on why you should be part of it.

Because It Helps Eliminate Foods That Causes Inflammation in the Body

Excess sugar found in processed foods, drinks, and many western diet foods have been shown to cause detrimental effects to our health. Excess sugar has been linked to chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease [7-12]. A Paleo Diet eliminates the excess sugar and chemicals from processed foods and replaces them with whole foods like lean meats and mineral-rich vegetables. [1,2]

Because It Makes You Eat Quality Local Foods

Since The Paleo Diet consists of organic, farm-to-table foods, you’ll be more inclined to shop locally. By visiting your local butcher for lean meats, or visiting your local farmer for fruits and produce, you’ll be eating healthy and quality foods while knowing that you’re supporting your local economy. [4]

Because It’s Science-Based

A simple Google search will bring up over 30 peer-reviewed studies that promote The Paleo Diet. And that list is growing fast. It’s not a fad and it’s not going to disappear. Evidence-based research is available online and on print.

Because You’ll Be A Part Of A Supportive Community

You won’t feel alone on your journey to Paleo. Once you decide to commit to the Paleo lifestyle, you’re immersing yourself in a supportive community of people who have been Paleo for years, as well as people who are also new to this lifestyle.

Because It’s More Than a Diet

The Paleo Diet is more than just the food you eat. Unlike other diets and fitness programs that focus solely on food and exercise, The Paleo Diet is a holistic approach to achieve a healthier and happier life. It’s more than just about the food you eat, it’s foundations are based on a clean, healthy diet, having an active lifestyle, and mindfulness.

Because It’s The Best Diet For Your Brain

You may be wondering; how can The Paleo Diet affect your brain health? Your diet can affect inflammation in the body, which has a significant effect on your mental health. A diet that includes inflammatory foods like sugar, industrial seed oils, trans fat, and gut irritants, can impact the brain and is linked to serious mental illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease and depression. The Paleo Diet is rich in anti-inflammatory foods like vegetables, fruits, and seafood, which can promote better mental health and cognitive functioning [9, 13, 14].

Credits: Images used courtesy of Ultimate Performance Los Angeles

References

O’Keefe, J.H., Jr. and L. Cordain, Cardiovascular disease resulting from a diet and lifestyle at odds with our Paleolithic genome: how to become a 21st-century hunter-gatherer. Mayo Clin Proc, 2004. 79(1): p. 101-8.

Jane is a health, fitness, and nutrition enthusiast and blogger. She is a nurse by profession and a writer by passion. She has a soft spot for macadamia chocolate and green tea. You can connect with her on Twitter and Google+.